Reaction to Missouri All American Michael Sam Saying He Is Gay

Reaction to Missouri All-American and NFL prospect Michael Sam saying in interviews with ESPN, Outsports and The New York Times that he is gay:

___

"It takes an incredible amount of courage to break ground on a social issue on a national stage. Michael Sam is a young man of tremendous fortitude and confidence. It is these traits that make it possible for him to be among the best on the field and now to have an impact on the world of sport in a very important way. I also applaud the wonderful support given to him by his teammates and the University of Missouri." - Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive.

___

"I think a lot of guys in the NFL are going to say they will accept it, but there are a lot of guys who won’t. The reality is Michael Sam will - is - going to open himself up to a lot of criticism and a lot of challenges. Those are challenges most gay people have to go through, but when you are dealing with alpha males and some meatheads in an NFL locker room it’s amplified. And there are some guys who have strong religious beliefs too, so he’s going to be judged. He’s going to face some things that are going to be very difficult to overcome." - Former NFL offensive lineman Frank Garcia, now a sports radio show host with WFNZ-AM in Charlotte.

___

"Had multiple convos with @MikeSamFootball this year, amazed at his honesty & courage! Once a tiger, ALWAYS a Tiger." Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and former Missouri star Chase Daniel on Twitter @ChaseDaniel.

___

"Very happy for Michael Sam. His courage will inspire millions to live their truth." MLS player Robbie Rogers, who is gay, on Twitter.

___

"I could care less about a man’s sexual preference! i care about winning games and being respectful in the locker room!" Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams on Twitter @DeAngeloRB.

___

"We are so proud of Michael for what he has accomplished at Mizzou academically, socially and competitively. This is a young man who earned his degree from MU, was a unanimous All-American on the football field and now he’s being a leader in his personal life. He continues to display great character, courage and compassion. We are proud of him on every level." - Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden.

___

"Best of luck in the draft @MikeSamFootball. #respect #YouCanPlay @YouCanPlayTeam" - Former NFL player Zak DeOssie on Twitter @zdeossie.

Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Eight NFL executives and coaches told Sports Illustrated this week that Missouri defensive Michael Sam, who made headlines Sunday for telling the media he is gay, will have a difficult time in May, when the National Football League makes its draft picks.

Forty gay couples in South Dakota applied to be married during the first month following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized such unions across the country, according to data provided by the state Department of Health.